R&D PhD Summer Intern – Bio-functionality Of Polymers

MASON BUS AND INNOVATION CTR

Research and Development (R&D) at Procter & Gamble, the largest consumer packaged goods company in the world, includes a diverse group of roles that contribute to the innovation and development of our products. It encompasses roles in product research, formulation, testing, and scientific analysis. You will find variety and excitement starting Day 1.

This internship is specifically designed for individuals working towards a PhD who are developing proficiency in their field. As an intern or co-op in management, you will have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in a supportive environment. This is a 12-week paid internship, designed to provide you with a solid foundation for future career growth. The internship will take place from May (potentially early June) to August of 2027.

Join us at P&G, where your contributions will play a vital role in shaping the future of consumer products!

We are seeking a proactive PhD Summer Intern to contribute to an exciting research project on our Corporate Functions R&D business. The project will be focused on developing and evaluating functional materials for various applications. This role involves assisting with the selection and integration of modifying agents, implementing chemical modification techniques, and characterizing the resulting materials for their physical and biological properties.

A key component of the internship will be culturing bacteria and performing other microbiological assays, applying chemical techniques, and interpreting data to identify promising formulations. The intern will help provide recommendations for potential applications in areas such as consumer products, paper products, or textiles.

• 1 . Production of Biopolymers with Pre-Defined, Integrated Functionality:
  Successfully synthesize biopolymers where specific, desired functional groups (identified through literature search) are covalently incorporated into their chemical structure during bacterial fermentation. This results in a single-step, in-situ modification process. Produce functionally modified biopolymers using methods involving ex-situ chemical modification of pre-formed biopolymers.
• 2 . Expanded Application Space for Biopolymers through Tailored Properties:
  Create a diverse library of biopolymers exhibiting new or enhanced properties directly attributable to the incorporated functional groups and test them in the lab for efficacy (e.g., increased hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, improved adhesion, enhanced biodegradability, antimicrobial activity, specific binding sites).
• 3. Based on 1. And 2. Make recommendations that provide the antimicrobial efficacy and beyond to allow application in spaces relevant to P&G

• - Education:
  
  Working towards a PhD in microbiology, chemical biology, polymer/material chemistry.
• - Microbiological Laboratory Proficiency:
  Skilled in aseptic technique, bacterial culturing, basic microbiological assays, and rigorous adherence to laboratory safety and best practices (chemical & biological).
• - Organic Synthesis & Reaction
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficient in setting up, running, and monitoring chemical reactions.
• - Agile R&D Contributor with Advanced Problem-Solving:
  Proactively drives project outcomes in dynamic lab environments by expertly analyzing results, identifying issues, and devising robust technical solutions and troubleshooting strategies across both chemical and microbiological contexts, while rapidly adapting to changes in project scope.
• - Available to work a 12-week internship from May/early June to August in the summer of 2027. 5 days a week in office at Mason Business Innovation Center…